# Adam Sandler Breaks Silence on Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Last Words

At 58, Adam Sandler finally spoke about the heartbreaking last words of his longtime friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who tragically passed away at 54 on July 20, 2025, due to drowning in Costa Rica.

Sandler’s revelation, shared during the premiere of *Happy Gilmore 2* on July 21, 2025, in New York, unveiled a private moment that has haunted him since Warner’s death. This emotional tribute shed light on their deep friendship and the profound impact of Warner’s final message.

Sandler and Warner’s bond began in the late 1980s on the set of *The Cosby Show*, where Warner starred as Theo Huxtable, a role that made him a household name with over 30 million viewers per episode, and Sandler played a minor character, Smitty.

Despite the disparity in their fame—Warner a child star and Sandler an 18-year-old newcomer—their friendship flourished through shared walks, basketball games, and heartfelt conversations. Over three decades, this connection endured, even as Sandler became a comedy icon and Warner expanded into directing, producing, and music, winning a Grammy in 2015.

Warner’s sudden death shocked Hollywood, sparking tributes from stars like Angela Bassett, Tracy Ellis Ross, and Beyoncé, who dedicated her website homepage to him. Yet Sandler’s initial silence drew attention, as fans awaited words from someone who knew Warner since their youth.

When he finally spoke on the red carpet, Sandler’s voice trembled as he described Warner as a “wonderful man, funny, smart, and deeply meaningful to America.”

He then revealed Warner’s last words, shared in a social media video days before his passing: “No matter what’s going on, there’s always a reason to smile. And if you can’t find one, be the reason for somebody else to smile.” Sandler called this message a beacon during his grief, reflecting Warner’s enduring optimism.

The *Cosby Show* cast also mourned deeply. Phylicia Rashad, who played Warner’s on-screen mother, felt the loss as if a family member had passed, while Keshia Knight Pulliam called him a true brother.

Even Bill Cosby, amid controversy, expressed heartbreak, comparing it to losing his own son. Fans and colleagues alike honored Warner’s legacy, with hashtags like #AlwaysAReasonToSmile trending globally and a scholarship fund in his name raising over $15,000 in 48 hours for Black students in the arts.

Warner’s spiritual legacy transcends his iconic role. In his final podcast episode on *Not All Hood*, he redefined “Black excellence” as “Black survival,” affirming the resilience of his community. Sandler’s tribute amplified these messages, ensuring Warner’s values of kindness and positivity live on.

More than a celebrity, Warner was a compassionate soul whose final words continue to inspire millions to find or create reasons to smile, even in the darkest times.